Kraft paper is a type of durable paper and material that can be used in a variety of areas of life, from arts and handicrafts to industrial use, such as packaging. It is known for its durability, resulting from the properties of the material used for production and the technology used. In this article, we will discuss kraft paper, its history, use and impact on various spheres of the economy, art and everyday life.
History Of Kraft Paper
Kraft paper has its roots in China, where paper was invented in the 2nd century BC. Later, China was one of the world’s leading paper producers. However, the first mentions of kraft paper appeared in Germany at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The name “kraft” comes from the German word “Kraftpaper”, which means “strong paper” or “durable paper”.
Kraft paper was originally used to make bags and packaging, due to its durability. To this day, it is used in this way, packing cement, for example. Thanks to the development of industry and technology, kraft paper began to be used in new fields and in a new way.
Kraft Paper Production
The process of making kraft paper is the result of several processes. In general, wood raw materials, such as pine or eucalyptus wood, are crushed into pulp. It is dissolved and cooked in a mixture of water and chemicals that allow access to the cellulose. This mass is then dried and processed into a sheet of Kraft paper.
A characteristic feature of kraft paper is its natural brown color. This is due to the fact that during production not all fragments of lignin, which has this color, are not removed from it. Depending on the application, kraft paper can have different weight and strength.
Application in Arts and Handicrafts
Kraft paper is often used by artists and craftsmen due to its versatility and texture. It can be covered with a pencil, paints, pastels or markers. Its brown color can be a unique background for works of art and handicraft projects. In addition, kraft paper can be easily folded and easily used to create origami and other paper works.
Packaging and Industry
One of the main uses of kraft paper is to use it for packaging production. Due to its durability and tear resistance, kraft paper is a versatile material for the production of bags, bags, boxes and packaging. It is often used to make packaging for food, industrial products and household items. Kiel-Pak produces a number of types of packaging from this type of paper, such as: block bags with or without a flat handle, folded bags, flat bags. Kraft paper packaging prints very well, especially using the flexographic technology we use in our company.
Ecology and Sustainable Development
In today’s world, when more and more people pay attention to environmental safety, kraft paper is considered extremely ecological due to its performance properties. Kraft paper is biodegradable and can be easily recycled, making it much more environmentally friendly than plastic packaging. In addition, the production of kraft paper often uses wood raw materials from managed forests. This means that a new one is planted in place of each felled tree. Kiel-Pak uses such FSC® certified products. In addition, we use safe water-based paints, which are approved for direct contact with food.
Other Applications
Kraft paper also has many other uses. It is used for the production of paper bags, packaging for goods, labels, envelopes, sheets, as well as a packaging material, securing items during transport. In fact, almost all of us have daily contact with kraft paper, although we often do not realize it.
Résumé
Kraft paper is a material with many applications. Its mechanical properties, natural color and the possibility of printing are the reasons why it is used in many fields. It is a material that has long accompanied humanity and continues to be one of the most important elements of our culture and everyday life. Thanks to its universal properties, kraft paper is a product of the future, both from a practical, practical and cultural point of view.
